Illuminating Black Starliner

Zak Ove's Sculpture Black Starliner at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Our Collaboration with Zak Ové and The White Wall Company

At envisio, we are delighted to share our involvement in the lighting design for Black Starliner, a monumental outdoor sculpture by British-Trinidadian artist Zak Ové. Currently exhibited at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, this impressive 13-metre-tall installation celebrates African history and culture.

Our Contribution to Black Starliner

We were commissioned by The White Wall Company, a leading UK-based fabrication specialist, to interpret the artist’s vision for the lighting elements of the sculpture and deliver a bespoke lighting solution that enhanced its visual impact. Our approach included:

Lighting Design: We specified and supplied fixtures that highlighted the sculpture’s intricate details and grand scale, captivating viewers into the night. The design used pixel tape, encapsulated LED dots, and custom-focused beam LEDs to create impactful effects on key focal points.

Control System Development: Our team engineered a custom control system delivering adaptable lighting effects for different viewing conditions and events. The system manages and distributes protocols, such as sACN, DMX, and SPI. It includes an inbuilt schedule for on/off control and a data network for remote management. The system is triggered by set timings and accepts external triggers, including audio feeds.

Collaborative Assembly and Testing: After developing the control system in the UK, we collaborated with The White Wall Company at their Erith workshop to assemble and test the sculpture in sections. This meticulous process ensured seamless integration of lighting and structure before transporting it to Abu Dhabi. We created automated sample lighting bundles, enabling The White Wall Company to test resin castings and stained glass/3D prints with our recommended fixtures. This approach supported rapid research, development, and testing to achieve Zak Ové’s exact design vision.

A Fusion of African Heritage and Futurism

Black Starliner exemplifies Zak Ové’s exploration of the African diaspora and its cultural narratives. The sculpture combines traditional African aesthetics with Afro-futuristic design, bridging the past and future. Ové’s work frequently explores identity and heritage, reinterpreting these themes through a contemporary lens. This masterpiece culminates in a bold representation of heritage and modernity, a starship to the future.

Check out a timelapse of the full installation at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqMskAnQ8z0

Invitation to Collaborate

For artists, sculptors, and galleries seeking to elevate their projects with innovative lighting solutions, our work on Black Starliner showcases our ability to bring creative visions to life. At envisio, we craft bespoke lighting and control systems tailored to unique artistic projects. From concept to completion, we collaborate closely with creators to ensure every detail aligns with their vision.

If you’re interested in partnering with us to illuminate your next masterpiece, please get in touch or connect with us on social media to explore our portfolio and services.

About envisio

envisio are on a mission to introduce clients to bespoke, complex and creative lighting solutions that they didn’t even know existed.

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